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Herbs & Supplements
Ackerkraut
Scientific Name: Agrimony
Other Names: Agrimonia, Agrimonia eupatoria, Church Steeples, Cocklebur, Funffing, Herbe de Saint-Guillaume, Liverwort, Stickwort
What side effects should I watch for?
Major Side Effects
Although no reports of major side effects from agrimony were found in the literature, other oral preparations that are high in tannin content have been associated with kidney or liver damage. People with kidney or liver conditions should not take or apply agrimony products.
A case study of several individuals who regularly used large amounts of an oral product with a tannin content similar to agrimony's for many years, found they had a higher incidence of tongue cancer and/or lip cancer than expected. Although no evidence has been published to indicate that agrimony may cause any type of cancer, cancers of the nose and esophagus may also be more likely to develop in individuals who use large amounts of oral tannin-containing products for long amounts of time.
No reports of low blood sugar or low blood pressure caused by agrimony have been published, but taking it in very large amounts or for very long periods of time may result in hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low) or hypotension (blood pressure that is too low). Symptoms of low blood sugar may include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control. If not corrected, low blood sugar can lead to unconsciousness and even death. Signs of low blood pressure may include blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, and light-headedness or fainting.
Less Severe Side Effects
Both oral and topical agrimony can make unprotected skin more sensitive to sunlight or artificial light in sun tanning parlors. If agrimony is taken or applied, sunscreen should be used, as well.
Cases of allergic reactions such as itchy rashes have been reported in individuals who handled fresh or dried agrimony plants. Because agrimony belongs to the same family of plants as roses, individuals with allergies to roses or related plants may also be sensitive to agrimony.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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What side effects should I watch for? 
